YouTube TV is apparently about to have a contract fight with Gray Television over some of its local TV stations. This will include the KTVK Arizona Family. According to a warning on their website, the channels will go dark on November 18, 2023.
“We are disappointed that YouTube TV has come to this decision, as we have done everything in our power to reach a market-based agreement. The good news is that you have options. Arizona’s Family is available on providers like Cox, Fubo, DIRECTV, and DISH, as well as free over-the-air with an antenna. To let YouTube TV know that you want to keep your access to Arizona’s Family, open the YouTube TV app or visit YouTube TV on a web browser, select your profile picture, and then click Send Feedback.” Gray Televistions local AZ Family TV station, said in a statement on its website.
This fight likely will only affect Gray Television’s independent television stations. For example, in the same market with KTVK is KPHO, a local CBS affiliate. KPHO’s deal with YouTube TV is managed by Paramount, which oversees all CBS local TV station’s contracts with YouTube TV.
Independent TV stations like KTVK, owned by Gray Television, need to strike their own contracts with YouTube TV. Now, for some reason, Gray Television has been unable to work out a deal with YouTube TV, resulting in this channel being removed.
Cord Cutters News has reached out to YouTube TV and Gray Television to get a full list of impacted channels.
KTVK is still available on Fubo and free over the air with an antenna for cord cutters.